A PERFORMANCE of Harper Lee’s novel at The Rep next month has been cancelled due to a legal challenges.
To Kill A Mockingbird was set to take to the Centenary Square stage from February 25 to March 2 as part of a UK and Ireland tour.
But it will no longer take place and anyone who has bought tickets will get a full refund.
The late cancellation is due to a legal row between two rival companies.
The show was due to be brought to The Rep by Church Productions, Curve Theatre in Leicester and Regent’s Park Theatre.
But now an exclusivity claim has been launched by the producers of Atticus Limited Liability Company, the Broadway production.
This claims that only they are allowed to adapt Harper Lee’s iconic novel for the stage.
Earlier this month lawyers acting for Atticus Ltd claimed worldwide exclusivity for all stage rights to the play.
The production due to take place at Birmingham was a version which has already been seen at theatres throughout the UK since 2011.
A spokesman for Jonathan Church Productions, Curve and Regent’s Park Theatre said: “It appears there may be a difference of opinion as to exactly what rights were originally conferred to Dramatic Publishing Company in 1969 by the Harper Lee Estate.
“Nevertheless, despite those involved in the UK tour having acted in good faith at all times, Atticus Limited Liability Company made it clear that they would commence legal proceedings against the tour’s producer, originating theatre and all venues where it
was due to be presented if the tour were not cancelled with immediate effect. Atticus Limited Liability Company were unwilling to consider any compromises which were proposed to resolve the situation without lengthy and costly legal action.
“Jonathan Church Productions, Curve and Regent’s Park Theatre are deeply saddened to have been forced into the position of disappointing audiences across the UK and Ireland.
“We would like to thank all those who have already purchased tickets, and those currently working to recreate the show which had been in rehearsals until today.”
